The regular tapas nights at Sergi’s Good Food Store in Spalding are the inspiration for a revamp of the premises.
After eight years of the monthly events, owner and renowned chef Karl Sergison is excited at the prospect of launching an authentic tapas bar.
He says it has reignited his passion after the disappointment of a proposed sale of the property falling through.
The Francis Street deli was due to close on Christmas Eve and become Busy Bean Play Café, but that business will be opening elsewhere in the town centre at as yet undisclosed premises.
Meanwhile, Karl (53), wife Debbie (45) and son Charlie (27) are concentrating on making the bar a big hit for the town centre. A refit of the now-closed premises will begin shortly, with a view to re-opening in late February.
Karl said: “It’s going to be the place to go.
“We’ll be pitching it at all levels. You’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine and tapas for eight or nine quid.
“It’ll be an eclectic mix. The emphasis is going to be on fresh.
“With the courtyard area too we’ll have 80 covers available on a good summer’s day.”
He added: “I had lost my mojo but I’ve got it back with this. I’m really excited.”
Three apprentices will be taken on to learn front of house and in the kitchen.
Sergi’s Tapas Bar, as it’s likely to be called, will be open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 10pm and Sundays noon to 6pm.
Karl still has one eye on taking a step back and semi-retirement in the not too distant future.
“I know we do our job well,” he said. “We’re going to really make this work and hopefully a few years down the line put the place back on the market with a bit more worth.”
